CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE
THE CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE
City Manager Jeff Kay
The City Manager's Update is a bi-weekly, digital publication, and includes current information and news, program and project updates, upcoming events, recruitment opportunities, and more!
To subscribe to receive this publication and other City information directly to your inbox, visit healdsburg gov/subscribe
To view previous issues, visit healdsburg.gov/cmupdate. Fire/Life Safety Emergencies 9-1-1
HEALDSBURG MINI LIBRARY now
open!
The Healdsburg Regional Library is temporarily closed for a comprehensive modernization project. Library staff are hard at work clearing out materials and preparing the building for renovation. In the meantime, explore the Healdsburg Mini Library at the Community Center, located at 1557 Healdsburg Avenue, for a cozy reading experience.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
2024 theme: “start a conversation”
The City of Healdsburg will be sharing emergency preparedness social media posts each Thursday during the month of September in conjunction with National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month is the annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families, and their communities safe.
The 2024 theme is “Start a Conversation.” Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe.
Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:
Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed. It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic. Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT EFFORTS CONTINUE WITH GRAZING ANIMALS AND FUEL REDUCTION WORK
The City of Healdsburg Fire Department is pleased to announce the continuation of our comprehensive vegetation management efforts to enhance wildfire resilience and protect our community. As part of these ongoing initiatives, grazing animals, including goats and sheep, will return to the Ridge Open Space to assist in managing vegetation. All grazing activities will be conducted consistent with our Council-adopted policy to ensure humane treatment of animals.
These grazing animals are a vital component of our fire mitigation strategy, as they provide a sustainable and effective means of reducing fuel loads, even when "Fire Weather" conditions are present. Unlike mechanical equipment and hand crews, which are restricted during high fire danger periods, grazing animals can safely continue their work, providing year-round benefits to our open spaces.
In addition to grazing, our fuel reduction efforts include the deployment of hand crews and mastication work on Fitch Mountain Open Space Preserve. These crews are actively engaged in removing excess vegetation, thinning brush, and creating defensible spaces that help to slow the spread of potential wildfires.
Please note that all mechanical and manual fuel reduction activities are conducted only when conditions do not pose a fire threat, ensuring the safety of our workers and the surrounding environment.
We are committed to maintaining the safety and natural beauty of our open spaces through these proactive measures. The City of Healdsburg Fire Department thanks the community for its ongoing support and cooperation as we work together to reduce fire risks. This important work continues to be funded through the Coastal Conservancy Grant Project.
2024 FALL/WINTER REC GUIDE
Get ready for a season of fun! Our Fall/Winter 2024 Activity Guide is here. Discover an exciting array of upcoming classes and programs that we are offering this season. Whether you’re eager to pick up a new skill, explore a fresh hobby, or connect with others in your community, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chances to enrich your Fall and Winter - explore the guide now and find the perfect fit for your seasonal goals!
NOW OPEN IN HEALDSBURG!
YWCA’S HEALDSBURG CHILDCARE CENTER
infant, toddler and preschool options
The center offers year-round care, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with half-day options available from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Nurturing Environment: They provide a positive and supportive space where your child can thrive.
Experienced Staff: Their teachers are Pyramid-trained and hold California Department of Education credentials.
Holistic Development: They offer a curriculum that blends traditional learning with a strong focus on bilingual skill development.
Small Class Sizes: Their student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention for each child.
Nourishing Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks are provided daily.
Don't delay! Email enrollment@ywcasc.org to secure your child's spot in this nurturing and enriching program.
For more information, please visit the YWCA website, here.
�� Are you passionate about native plants and want to showcase �� your garden’s beauty?
As part of the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, we are excited to announce that the EcoFriendly Garden Tour will be returning in early May 2025, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! This is a fantastic opportunity to share your garden with our community and inspire others with your design ideas, plant recommendations, and eco-friendly practices. They are especially interested in gardens that highlight native plants.
Why Participate?
Inspire Others: Share your knowledge and passion for native gardening. Connect with Fellow Gardeners: Exchange tips and ideas with like-minded individuals. Showcase Your Garden: Let your hard work shine and be appreciated by the community. For more details or to express your interest in participating as a garden host, please reach out via email to savewater@scwa ca gov
�� Are you looking to update your landscape to an �� eco-friendly garden?
Find resources to help at www savingwaterpartnership org/climate-ready and attend the garden tour in the Spring for some great ideas.
Stay tuned for the official tour date, which will be announced soon!
PREVENT FOOD LOSS AT HOME AND SAVE MONEY
Reducing food waste is a powerful way to make a positive impact on our planet. By simply cutting back on the food we throw away at home, we can save money, protect our environment, and help build a more sustainable future for everyone.
Quick Tips:
Check your supplies before shopping. Use up the food you have. Stick to a grocery list to avoid impulsive buying. Don't shop when you're hungry.
Proactively freeze bread, vegetables, dairy, and meat before they go bad if you buy in bulk and don't go through the food fast enough. Buy a variety of food. Some foods last longer than others. Eat leafy greens and mushrooms first, but keep root vegetables and squash in the pantry to eat later.
Purchase food that is in season for the greatest value, least embedded food miles, and longevity of shelf life. Further, consider purchasing from local farmers and markets first when planning your shopping; that ensures seasonality, freshness, minimal packaging, and maximum impact on the local economy.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
On Tuesday, September 10th at 6:00 p.m., the Planning Commission will consider a Design Review application for a self-service SPLASH Carwash located at 1191 Healdsburg Avenue. The application includes a new drivethru carwash tunnel, vacuum stations, hand-dry spaces and landscaping throughout the site.
For information on the project, please reach out to Ellen McDowell, Senior Planner at emcdowell@healdsburg.gov or 707-473-4463.
DID YOU KNOW?
Exciting news! You can now watch live streams of City Council meetings on YouTube! This is in addition to the option of watching the Council meetings on Zoom and Facebook. Tune in on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 6:00 P.M. Get real-time updates on important decisions affecting our community.
Follow us on: Facebook YouTube
UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
September 16, 2024
Mill District - Development Agreement
Amendment
Climate Mobilization Strategy Annual Update
Reach for Home Quarterly Update
Mayors and Councilmembers City Selection
Committee
October 7, 2024
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Proclamation
Arts and Culture Commission OrdinanceSecond Reading
Emergency Operations Plan Update
Active Transportation Plan Presentation
October 21, 2024
Appoint Council Subcommittee for Arts and Culture Commission Interviews 2023 Power Content Label
Saggio Hills Park Naming Proposals
Subscribe at: https://healdsburg gov/list aspx
NOTE: The schedule is tentative and subject to change pending final publication and posting of the City Council meeting agenda Agendas can be found here